Incident Adds to Netanyahu's Diplomatic Woes

By

Chip Cummins and

Margaret Coker

Updated June 1, 2010 12:01 a.m. ET

The deadly boarding of a flotilla of activists off the coast of Gaza has plunged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into his worst diplomatic crisis since taking office early last year, and analysts say it could have far-reaching—and unintended—implications for Israeli security issues.

The sea battle follows a series of diplomatic setbacks for Israel, including the expulsion recently of Israeli diplomats from Britain and Australia after those governments accused Israel of forging passports used in the alleged...